ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Increase in Speed of Trains
With a view to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Railways  discontinued all regular passenger carrying trains w.e.f. 23rd March,2020 and presently only special trains keeping in view the concerns and suggestions of State Government are being operated. However, in its endeavour to rationalize time tables and speed up of trains, which are on-going exercises and which are dependent inter alia on factors like availability/upgradation of track, doubling of section, upgradation of rolling stock, Indian Railways, has decided to speed up both Passenger and Express train services, thereby upgrading them as Express and superfast services respectively. The Zone-wise details are as under:
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Sl
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Zonal Railway
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Number of trains 
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1
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North Central Railway
|
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10
|
|
2
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Central Railway
|
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50
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|
3
|
|
Eastern Railway
|
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16
|
|
4
|
|
Northern Railway
|
|
26
|
|
5
|
|
North Eastern Railway
|
|
12
|
|
6
|
|
Northeast Frontier Railway
|
|
20
|
|
7
|
|
Southern Railway
|
|
42
|
|
8
|
|
South Central Railway
|
|
59
|
|
9
|
|
South Eastern Railway
|
|
36
|
|
10
|
|
Western Railway
|
|
68
|
|
11
|
|
East Central Railway
|
|
12
|
|
12
|
|
North Western Railway
|
|
53
|
|
13
|
|
East Coast Railway
|
|
24
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|
14
|
|
South Western Railway
|
|
34
|
|
15
|
|
West Central Railway
|
|
12
|
|
16
|
|
South East Central Railway
|
|
08
|
|
17
|
|
Konkan Railway Corporation Limited
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06
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Depth of Himalayan Glaciers
A proposal has been initiated by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research  Ministry of Earth Sciences to estimate thickness of Himalayan glaciers using innovative airborne radar surveys in collaboration with established Indian researchers in India and abroad.
A pilot study is proposed in Lahaul-Spiti basin of Himachal Pradesh for customizing the technique and methods in initial phase followed by Airborne radar surveys across representative sub-basins of Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra basins in the next phase.
No specific funds have been allocated pending the finalization of project, Airborne radar surveys are proposed to estimate the thickness of Himalayan glaciers.
Different techniques like geophysical techniques and Ground Penetrating Radar  profiling have been employed for glacier depth assessment by Geological Survey of India . Indian Space Research Organization  carries out Research and Development study to estimate thickness of major Himalayan glaciers using remote sensing based methods. Design, fabrication and testing of compact and lightweight radar and antennas suitable for helicopter-based operations are proposed for which sufficient expertise is available in India and with overseas Indians.
The tenure of the project and the number of project personnel are not yet finalised.
This information was given by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Annual Blood Donation Camp held in GRSE on Wednesday
Kolkata, January 17, 2019.
A blood donation camp was organized in GRSE on Wednesday in aid of thalassemia patients. The Camp was inaugurated by Rear Admiral V.K. Saxena, C&MD, GRSE, in presence of Shri S.S. Dogra, Director , Shri A.K. Nanda, Director  and other senior officials. GRSE employees, trade apprentice, CISF personnel and contractors’ workers participated in the blood donation camp. 114 personnel donated blood for the noble cause of providing blood for thalassemia patients.
Ministry of Defence
INDO-UK JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE “AJEYA WARRIOR – 2023” TO COMMENCE AT SALISBURY PLAINS, UNITED KINGDOM
The 7th edition of joint military exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-23” between India and the United Kingdom is being conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom from 27 April to 11 May 2023. Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR is a biennial training event with the United Kingdom which is conducted alternatively in the United Kingdom and India, the last edition was held at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand in October 2021.
Soldiers of the 2 Royal Gorkha Rifles from the United Kingdom and Indian Army soldiers from the BIHAR Regiment are participating in the exercise. The Indian Army contingent arrived at Brize Norton on 26 April 2023 by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft with indigenous weapons and equipment. The aim of the exercise is to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking company-level sub-conventional operations in urban and semi-urban environments under UN mandate, in addition to developing inter-operability, bonhomie, camaraderie, and friendship between the two armies.
The scope of this exercise involves a Command Post Exercise  at the Battalion level and Company level Field Training Exercise . During the exercise, participants will engage in a variety of missions testing their operational acumen in various simulated situations; showcasing and refining their tactical drills, and learning from each other’s operational experience.
“Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR” is yet another significant milestone in defence cooperation between the Indian Army and British Army which will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations.
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SC/RSR/VKT
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Special Service and Features
Republic day Celebrations and inauguration of G20 Park in Pondicherry University
Central University of Pondicherry celebrated the 74th republic day with much pomp and splendour. The event started with March past followed by the welcome salute to the Honourable Vice chancellor, Prof. Gurmeet Singh. Post the flag hoisting, the gathering was addressed by the Vice chancellor, and he emphasised on the importance of reminding ourselves every day to serve our nation with utmost sincerity and a sense of duty. He further reflected on the secular nature of our country where all festivals are celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm.
He went on to state how powerful, detailed and evolved Indian constitution is, giving examples of various laws and the amendments that followed. In his message to the young gathering and students, he highlighted the importance of every voter in the country and stated, “as long as we all do our duties, we are all nation builders”.
He also drew attention on how the world is going through a critical stage and India is doing remarkably well in all the sectors of the economy despite issues related to diversity and development. India’s presidency for the G20 summit came at the right time when the voice of the nation can now be heard in the international arena. The idea of “One nation, one world” could be achieved if our nation follows the qualities given by our leaders namely “Vasudev Kutumbakam”.
The Vice Chancellor thanked everyone who had gathered and left on the note requesting the youth of the nation to direct their energy into constructive work and make the world a better place. Finally, the honourable Vice Chancellor inaugurated G20 park at Pondicherry University to commemorate 74th republic Day Celebrations.
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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Government continues to modulate the effective price to consumer for Subsidized Domestic LPG
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today informed that the total amount of fuel subsidy paid by Government since F.Y. 2011-12 is Rs. 7,03,525 cores. The Budget Estimates for F.Y. 2021-22 for LPG & Natural Gas  subsidy is Rs. 12,995 crores.
The prices of petroleum products in the country are linked to the price of respective products in the international market. The Government continues to modulate the effective price to consumer for Subsidized Domestic LPG. The prices of non-subsidized Domestic LPG are however determined by the OMCs in line with changes in the international markets. The subsidy on the product increases/decreases with the increase/decrease in the product price in international market and decision of Government on subsidy.
Ministry of Defence
AUSTRALIAN ARMY CONTINGENT FOR JOINT EXERCISE “AUSTRA HIND – 22” ARRIVE IN INDIA
The bilateral training exercise “AUSTRA HIND 22” between contingents of the Indian Army and the Australian Army is scheduled to take place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges  from 28 November to 11 December 2022. This is the first exercise in the series of AUSTRA HIND with participation of all arms and services contingent from both armies. The Australian Army contingent comprising soldiers from the 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division has arrived at the exercise location. The Indian Army is represented by troops from the DOGRA Regiment. Exercise “AUSTRA HIND” will be a yearly event that will be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.
Aim of the exercise is to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi-domain operations in Semi deserts terrain under a UN peace enforcement mandate. This joint exercise will enable the two armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conducting tactical operations at Company and Platoon level for neutralising hostile threats. Training on new generation equipment and specialist weapons including snipers, surveillance & communication equipment to achieve a high degree of situational awareness apart from casualty management, casualty evacuation and planning logistics at Battalion / Company level are also planned.
During the exercise, participants will engage in a variety of tasks ranging from joint planning, joint tactical drills, sharing basics of special arms skills and raiding a hostile target. The joint exercise, besides promoting understanding and interoperability between the two armies, will further help in strengthening ties between India and Australia.
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SC/RSR/GKA
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Ministry of Culture
On the occasion of 130th Foundation Day of National Archives of India, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel to inaugurate an exhibition “Jallianwala Bagh” on 11th March 2020
The exhibition will remain open for public viewing till 30 April 2020.
On the occasion of 130th Foundation Day of National Archives of India , Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel will inaugurate an exhibition “Jallianwala Bagh”on 11thMarch 2020 at 5.00 pm at the premises of National Archives, New Delhi.Based on the original documents, this exhibition is an endeavour to commemorate the centenary of JallianwalaBagh Massacre covering a period from .
The present exhibition is primarily presented with the help of original and digital copies of archival documents relating to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre available in National Archives of India. This is an earnest attempt to portray the relentless struggle of the Indian people against the British tyranny through our record holdings.
The inauguration of exhibition will be preceded by the Foundation Day Lecture by Smt. Kishwar Desai, on Jallianwala Bagh at 11.00 am at National Archives, New Delhi.
The National Archives of India is an Attached Office under the Ministry of Culture. It was established on 11 March 1891 at Kolkata  as the Imperial Record Department. Following the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, the present building of the National Archives of India was constructed in 1926 which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The transfer of all records from Calcutta to New Delhi was completed in 1937. It is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Public Records Act, 1993 and Public Record Rules, 1997. The exhibition will remain open for public viewing till 30 April 2020.
Ministry of Defence
National award for Teachers 2020-21 conferred to Mr Mathew K Thomas of Sainik School Kazhakoottam
Mr.Mathew K Thomas, Social Science teacher of Sainik School Kazhakoottam was conferred the National Award for teachers on 05 Sep 2021 by the President of India through a virtual ceremony held on Teachers Day. He has been working in the school since 1995. Prior to joining this school he worked five years in Sainik School Imphal.
He is the second recipient of the award from the school after Mr K Rajendaran was conferred with the award in 2009.
(Visitor Counter : 12
Ministry of Home Affairs
NCMC reviews preparedness as Super Cyclonic Storm ‘AMPHAN’ set to make landfall on 20th May, 2020
The National Crisis Management Committee  under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba met for the second time today to review the preparedness of States and Central Ministries/Agencies to deal with the Super Cyclonic Storm ‘AMPHAN’.
The India Meteorological Department  has informed that the Super Cyclone is expected to reach the West Bengal coast in the afternoon/evening of 20th May with wind speeds ranging up to 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph, causing heavy rainfall, accompanied by squally winds and storm surges, in the coastal districts of the State.
The storm is likely to impact the coastal districts of Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Balasore in Odisha and East Medinipur, South & North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Kolkata in West Bengal.
Officers of concerned State Governments apprised the NCMC of preparatory measures taken by them. They also assured that adequate stocks of food grains, drinking water and other essential supplies and services were available with them.
NDRF has deployed 26 teams in Odisha and West Bengal and additionally teams are enroute to these States. The teams are equipped with boats, tree cutters, telecom equipment etc. Rescue and relief teams of the Army and Navy alongwith ships and aircrafts of the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard have been put on standby.
Reviewing the preparedness of the States and Central Agencies, Cabinet Secretary directed that all necessary measures be taken to complete evacuation of people from low lying areas in cyclone path and maintain adequate quantities of essential supplies such as food, drinking water and medicines etc. Agencies were directed to prevent disruptions to Power and Telecommunications services. Free facility of targeted SMSs to warn the people of the cyclone and intra circle roaming is to be provided.
Chief Secretary, Odisha and Principal Secretary, West Bengal participated in the meeting through Video Conference. Senior Officers from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, Shipping, Power, Telecommunications, Health, IMD, NDMA and NDRF also attended the meeting.
NCMC will meet again tomorrow to take stock of the emerging situation.
Special Service and Features
Post Office Savings Bank Maha Mela begins
Department of Posts is organizing a special campaign “POSB Maha Mela” for five days from 20.02.2023 to 24.02.2023 in all Post Offices. During this period, facility for opening accounts under all the POSB schemes will be available in all the 5063 post offices under Kerala Postal Circle.
All are requested to avail this opportunity and visit nearby post offices during the mela for opening accounts suitable to them. Our staff will be readily available for any clarification regarding the schemes and the Department will take utmost care for hassle free account opening during the mela.
In budget 2023 Govt. of India has decided to increase deposit limit in MIS and SCSS. In addition to that an attractive scheme exclusively for women “Mahila Samman Bachat Patra Yojana” has been announced to encourage women to save money and become financially independent. The scheme offers several benefits such as attractive interest rate, easy access to funds and tax benefits. The scheme will be available in all the post offices in near future.
Current rate of interest of various POSB schemes are as below:
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Sl. No.
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Scheme
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Rate of interest in percentage
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1.
|
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Post Office Savings Account
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4.0
|
|
2.
|
|
1 Year Time Deposit
|
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6.6
|
|
3.
|
|
2 Year Time Deposit
|
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6.8
|
|
4.
|
|
3 Year Time Deposit
|
|
6.9
|
|
5.
|
|
5 Year Time Deposit
|
|
7.0
|
|
6.
|
|
5 Year Recurring Deposit
|
|
5.8
|
|
7.
|
|
Senior Citizens Savings Scheme
|
|
8.0
|
|
8.
|
|
Monthly Income Account Scheme
|
|
7.1
|
|
9.
|
|
Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme
|
|
7.6
|
|
10.
|
|
Public Provident Fund Scheme
|
|
7.1
|
|
11.
|
|
National Savings Certificate
|
|
7.0
|
|
12.
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|
Kisan Vikas Patra
|
|
7.2 
-ND-
(Visitor Counter : 57
Cabinet
Cabinet approves leasing out six airports - Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru through PPP
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the following:
- "In-principle" approval for leasing out six airports of AAI viz. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru for operation, management and development under Public Private Partnership  through Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee .
- Constitution of an Empowered Group of Secretaries headed by CEO, NITI Aayog with Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Secretary, Department of Expenditure to decide on any issue falling beyond the scope of PPPAC.
Benefits:
- PPP in infrastructure projects brings efficiency in service delivery, expertise, enterprise and professionalism apart from harnessing the needed investments in the public sector.
- The PPP in airport infrastructure projects has brought World class infrastructure at airports, delivery of efficient and timely services to the airport passengers, augmenting revenue stream to the Airports Authority of India without making any investment, etc. of these, for development of Greenfield Airports at Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Presently, the airports being managed under the PPP model include Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Cochin.
- The PPP airports in India have been ranked among the top 5 in their respective categories by the Airports Council International  in terms of Airport Service Quality .
- While these PPP experiments have helped create world class airports, it has also helped AAI in enhancing its revenues and focusing on developing airports and Air Navigation infrastructure in the rest of the country.
Background:
The increase in domestic and international air travel in India combined with congestion at most airports, and the strong traffic growth at the 5 airports which were privatized over a decade ago has attracted the attention of several international operators and investors. The airport sector is the top contender among infrastructure sectors in terms of international interest. International operators and investors prefer brownfield airport expansion opportunities with having more than 3-4 million passenger capacity. The airport sector may provide an immediate opportunity to attract foreign direct investment  by adoption of a PPP approach.
Therefore, it has been decided to lease out six airports viz. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvanthapuram and Mangaluru of AAI in the first phase for development, operation and management under PPP. This is expected to enhance the revenue to AAI and increased economic development in these areas in terms of job creation and related infrastructure. .
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Advisory group formed for boosting the Bamboo sector development
The Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar had approved the formation of an Advisory Group for streamlining the development of the Bamboo sector. The Advisory group encompasses the representation of various stakeholders viz., academicians, researchers, innovators, progressive entrepreneurs, designers, farmer leaders, marketing specialists and policy makers. The inter-ministerial and public- private consultation is envisaged to dovetail the bamboo initiatives of the Ministries/ Departments and to help revamp the developmental architecture of the sector by incorporating synergy between all the sections related to the bamboo value chain.
The restructured National Bamboo Mission  was launched during 2018-19 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. NBM mainly focuses on the development of complete value chain of Bamboo sector to link growers with consumers starting from planting material, plantation, creation of facilities for collection, aggregation, processing, marketing, micro, small & medium enterprises, skilled manpower and brand building initiative in a cluster approach mode. Over the years of the interventions through policy, facilitations and awareness creations, the bamboo industry is witnessing a phase change by the opening of multiple avenues of the resource utilization. Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal of the Bengaluru  Airport in which the versatility of bamboo as an architectural and structural material has been proved and the destiny of this green resource defined as the ‘green steel’. Apart from using in the construction sector as design and structural element, the potential of bamboo is multifaceted. Ecofriendly mouldable granules from bamboo can replace the use of plastic. Bamboo is a reliable source for the ethanol and bio-energy production due to its fast rate of growth and abundance. The market of Bamboo based lifestyle products, cutleries, home decors, handicrafts and cosmetics also is in a growth path. The National Bamboo Mission is striving to bring the benefits of this growing sector to the farmers and human resources of the Nation.
The Subject experts and other stakeholders who are actively working in the bamboo sector will advise about the areas to be focused as well as the policy interventions to be taken in coordination with other stakeholders of the sector. The Union Agriculture Secretary will be the Chairperson and Mission Director of National Bamboo Mission will be the Convener of the Committee. The members of the committee shall advise the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on issues and technologies in propagation, plantation of bamboo & intercropping, primary processing, product development, value addition, market infrastructure and linkages, processing machineries, skill development etc.